To increase motivation, learn to value yourself

Two types of thinking

Your ability to recognize the value of your inner experience - and as a result, your ability to motivate yourself - is significantly influenced by the way you think. Psychologist Carol Dweck distinguishes two types: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.

Fixed thinking

Fixed-minded people believe that their abilities are limited and believe that it is prudent to make efforts only in areas in which they themselves feel competent. Situations in which they may seem unprepared or inept make them anxious, and they try to avoid them.

Such people usually:

dislike everything new;
disregard useful criticism;
feel that the success of others threatens them.

One of the main disadvantages of a fixed mindset is the constant need for approval from the outside in order to prove your worth not only to others, but also to yourself.

Growth mindset

People with this type of thinking consider their intelligence to be flexible, and their potential as limitless and believe that with the help of knowledge, perseverance and practice, anything can be achieved.

Such people usually:

Believe that craftsmanship is the result of effort
benefit from criticism;
feel that the success of others inspires them.

But perhaps the most important quality of the growth mindset is the ability to recognize your own worth without needing the constant approval of others.

How to learn to recognize your own worth

It’s natural to need encouragement from others, especially in the professional field. Striving to get a cash reward for a job well done is generally common sense. Problems arise when this reward becomes our only motivation.

How can you stop paying attention to the judgments and approval of others and learn intrinsic motivation?

1. Develop awareness

Recognizing your worth is directly related to accepting your own experience, both good and bad. If you want to move forward, you can't brush off your past or look for excuses in hindsight.

Accepting the present moment is one of the foundations of mindfulness that helps develop an inner sense of fulfillment. Therefore, in every situation, try to accept your emotions, even if they are negative, and understand your motivation.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can't sort out your feelings. In such cases, you can try to guess the cause of certain experiences. This does not mean that you are lying to yourself: you just rely on your instinct and make an assumption. This is another manifestation of the growth mindset.

If you feel stuck in one place or lack motivation, take a few minutes of mindfulness meditation. This will help you regain your balance and move on.

2. Find sources of motivation outside of work

Pay more attention to life outside the workday: this is very important for strengthening intrinsic motivation. Think about what gives you pleasure and joy. Do several projects at the same time that are not related to work.

When you have something to inspire you outside of work, it is easier for you to deal with tasks and deadlines in the workplace.

3. Be (a little) selfish

Although we are accustomed to perceiving selfishness as an exclusively negative quality, it is imperative to recognize our own worth. After all, self-respect and understanding are at the core of recognizing the value of your experience.

Therefore, if you want to increase your motivation, do not try to force yourself through force. On the contrary, you need to stop, listen to yourself, understand why one thing inspires you, while the other discourages you from acting. And do not forget: no one is holding you back except yourself.